California Democratic Debate a Tie or Slight Edge to Obama?

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" California Democratic Debate a Tie or Slight Edge to Obama?
January 31st 2008 Posted to 2008 Election, Politics

I am no political expert but I will say tonight’s Democratic debate was one hell of an event. Obama came out struggling with his points as health care took the stage front and center. Hillary has been pushing for the same plan for something like 15 years and I think that really helped her get her point across in a much more fluid and easy to understand way. I personally think Hillary dominated the opening rounds of the debate, but once we got beyond health care I think Obama came out ahead.

Hillary’s best quote was when she was asked a rather tough question (I thought) why we should put a Clinton back in office when we have had decades of the Bush and Clinton families in the White House. She said, “It did take a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and I think it might take another one to clean up after the second Bush.” The place erupted.

The Obama quote that I loved and really smacks down any argument citing progress in Iraq was when they approached him with the idea that things are improving and fewer U.S. soldiers are dying. On the idea we are succeeding based on that analysis he said “we have set the bar so low, it’s buried in the sand at this point.” Killer comment and further proof that Obama would dominate the Republicans on the issue of Iraq and this really is pushing his agenda of being right from the start and having better judgment.

I will admit one thing though, Hillary grew on me tonight. She didn’t seem to be the evil shrew she has appeared to be up to this point. She seemed level headed, even if she struggled on a few later points.

Probably the most noticeable thing tonight was the good natured conversation that went on. It was as if both candidates decided to say, “Screw it, we don’t want a Republican to win. Let’s be cordial and talk about the issues and put the personal trash aside.” After all, these two are very similar on a lot of points and by putting the politics of it all behind benefits them both.

Did either one win? Hillary dominated the opening like I said, but I think the lasting impression of the Iraq conversation outweighs the discussion of health care giving Obama a slight (miniscule) edge. I think Obama needed a bigger win than he got tonight, but polls show him closing. He has to hope his stock continues to rise and Hillary’s stays the same.

The final question on whether they would consider an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket didn’t hit with a thud as I think it would have a week ago. Today it all seemed possible.

Super Tuesday is going to be close."